BOOM S ’ A B M O O W TOO NT E M P O L E V E D H T W O R G D N A
Contents Retail
Retail heritage ......................................................................................3 Grand Central....................................................................................4-5 Chamber of Commerce .......................................................................6 Job creation...........................................................................................7 CBD boutique shopping ......................................................................8 Arcade shopping revival....................................................................... Home+..................................................................................................10 South Central ......................................................................................12
Food Cafe culture .........................................................................................13 Food festivals .................................................................................14-15 Export...................................................................................................16
Property Palm lake Resort ................................................................................18 Dan Dwan comment ..........................................................................20
Motoring Motor groups expansions ............................................................22-23 Armstrong Auto Group.....................................................................26
Education TAFE.....................................................................................................32 Apprenticeship ...................................................................................33 TACAPS ...............................................................................................34 USQ .......................................................................................................35 Highfields State Secondary College ...............................................36 Mark MacKillop Catholic College ...................................................37
Recreation Liveability .......................................................................................38-39 Railway Parklands .............................................................................40 Cultural revolution.............................................................................41 Highfields Sports and Recreation Park .........................................42 Toowoomba City Library 43 Glenvale lifestyle centre ...................................................................44
Health headspace ............................................................................................45 Toowoomba Hospital .........................................................................46 Mental Health Hospital .....................................................................47 St Andrew’s Hospital.........................................................................48 St Vincent’s Hospital .........................................................................51
Our region’s development Population predictions ......................................................................53 Western corridor land developments........................................54-55 Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport ...................................................56 Business tourism................................................................................57 Witmack Transport nad Logistics Hub..........................................58 Toowoomba Second Range Crossing ........................................60-61 Messages from community leaders................................................63
BOOM is published by The Chronicle, 109 Neil Street, Toowoomba. Phone 4690 9300. Printed by APN Printing Services, BOOM is a free publication and is not to be sold. All material published in BOOM is subject to copyright provisions. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher. DISCLAIMER: The information contained within BOOM is given in good faith and obtained from sources believed to be accurate. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher; The Chronicle will not be liable for any opinion or advice contained herein.
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Retail
City’s proud retail history TOOWOOMBA has a proud retails history which continues to flourish, with some household names still gracing our local streets. Early Toowoomba was a retail hub not just for its residents, but also met the shopping needs of customers further afield, with many mail orders being processed
for rural towns or people living in remote properties west of Toowoomba. Pigott’s department store was a familiar name to generations of Darling Downs shoppers and fielded many postal orders. A walk around Toowoomba’s CBD is rewarded with numerous
historical buildings, all telling a tale of years gone by. The Bailey’s building, currently housing Lincraft on the corner of Margaret and Ruthven Sts, as well as the historic former Westpac Bank building opposite are all beautiful architectural landmarks. The current Cash Shop
was formerly J Blackburn Saddler, circa 1909. It stands beside well known and still operational Mike Williams Country Clothing. Greengrocer and food retailer Betros Bros is another familiar facade in Toowoomba’s cityscape, with the Betros family continuing
a long retail history in the city. Department stores such as Hannas Family Department Store continue a strong position in the retail makeup of the city, proving the residents’ penchant for individualised, old-fashioned service. Other familiars include the Linen Chest Boutique on Margaret St, Bramptons ladies wear and Suna Shoes on Ruthven St. Toowoomba’s retail history is carried on today, with many buildings still carrying business names of old now leased out to trendy and innovative retailers their former tenants may never have imagined.
A print advertisment for the Pigott’s department store.
DECADES OF EXPERIENCES: Hannas has retained a wonderful family-owned ideal since its very beginning. Photos: Contributed
The Bell Street Mall, 1991, in Toowoomba’s CBD.
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Retail
Grandeur of Grand Central By CHARLOTTE LAM
redevelopment opens today and the centre is due to be finished by early next year. THE $500 million Grand Key features of Grand Central redevelopment and Central development what it means for you: IGrand Central shopping Project overview centre will double in size to The redevelopment of the approximately 90,000sq m — Grand Central shopping that means an expansion of centre on the corner of around 45,000sq m IA two-level retail galleria linking to the former Gardentown Shopping Centre I160 new specialty retailers INew dining precinct IAn additional 2000 car parks IDiscount department stores and supermarket Kmart, Big W and Woolworths IBlending modern architecture and innovative design Benefits to the region I1500 jobs created in the construction process with a local employment of 75% I1000 more retail jobs available once stores start trading IMelbourne-like shopping, lifestyle and entertainment destination IAustralian and international high-end EXCITING MILESTONE: Grand Central Shopping Centre manager Shaine Beveridge overlooks brands in standalone stores ILess need to travel to Stage two of construction. Photo: Nev Madsen/ The Chronicle Margaret and Dent Sts sees the existing centre linked to the former Gardentown Shopping Centre via a two-level retail galleria. Once completed the centre will introduce new discount department stores, new supermarkets and
approximately 160 specialty retailers, including global high street and iconic Australian fashion brands. START DATE November 12 2014 Expected date of completion The first set of shops in the
Brisbane How it is being built In January 2009 a major rejuvenation of Toowoomba's inner-city shopping precinct was tipped after the $30 million sale of Gardentown Shopping Centre. In May 2013 councillors voted 10 to 1 to green-light QIC's integrated vision of Grand Central and Gardentown shopping centres to be Toowoomba's biggest development proposal in 30 years. Construction on the Grand Central redevelopment began on November 12, 2014 with a sod turning event. Australian commercial builder Probuild secured the bid. In October 2015 the $500 million redevelopment of Grand Central hit a milestone with works beginning on the installation of the shopping centre's façade. In February 2016 about 90 per cent of the building foundations were completed at the site. In April the first level of the structural steel bridge was installed over Victoria St. Probuild advised there are now around 350 workers on site as construction ramps
up. Foundations for the shopping centre and car park basement were finished earlier this year. Grand Central centre manager Shaine Beveridge said the transformation was progressing to be completed on time. How to get a job at Grand Central GRAND Central and TAFE Queensland South West partnered up to help Toowoomba residents access the jobs that will be available once development is complete. Up to 550 residents can undergo training to kick-start their retail and hospitality careers. Residents interested in applying for one of the new TAFE training positions can contact TAFE Queensland South West on 1300 914 754 or drop into its campus on Bridge Street. Anyone interested in future positions at Grand Central can register their details with Classic Recruitment on 4638 3599 or via their website classicrecruitment.net.au. Stage one of Grand Central opens today, September 15.
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Retail
Shopping mecca opens GRAND Central’s two-level retail galleria, is fashion-focused and is an extension of Grand Central’s existing fashion offering, and
feature retail precincts including classic contemporary and urban youth. It extends over Dent
Street, the railway line and West Creek and the interiors were designed to be an expression of the charm and character of Toowoomba.
Opening stage one (September 15 to December, 2016) H&M : ONE of the world’s largest fashion retailers — high fashion and quality basics at affordable prices in a sustainable way. Mimco: unique accessories collections. MECCA Maxima: Choose from an incredible line up of international beauty brands. Napoleon Perdis: Makeup mogul of beautiful cosmetics. Swarovski: World’s premier jewellery and accessory brand made from cut crystals. Seed Heritage: Beautifully designed Wittner is one of the fashion stores in the new Grand Central development. Photo: Contributed apparel, accessories and footwear for woman, teen, child and baby. Country Road: Beautiful clothing for an authentically Australian way of life. Trenery: Clothing, accessories and footwear for men and women who appreciate refined beauty and sophisticated design. Witchery: Australia’s leading fashion label; our inspired designs provide the latest trends for every woman, man girl and boy look — and feel fabulous. Sportscraft: Trusted Australian brand renowned for outstanding quality and consistent fit. Forever New: Fashion clothing and accessories brand founded in Melbourne, Australia. Our brand celebrates the feminine beauty of women, a signature style flowing through every creative element. Ally Fashion: Fashion is meant to be lived, loved and shopped for fun and shouldn’t mean emptying a purse for a single item. Dissh: Dissh is a company ruled by, The Galleria at the new Grand Central Shopping Centre. Photo: Contributed
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designed for and inspired by girls! Bardot: Inspired by the need for women to stay ahead of the fashion curve. It is top of the moment seasonal trends and style classics. Peter Jackson: Australian garment maker constructing quality menswear with a passion for innovative design. Johnny Bigg by Tarocash: Created with the big and tall guy in mind, recognising the everyday guys desire to be well dressed. Rodd & Gunn: Classic menswear with contemporary style. Universal Store: Australian fashion institution for the latest in men’s and women’s denim and street fashion. Surf Dive ‘n Ski: Leading brands for surf, skate, street. Rockwear: Creating high quality activewear with a mix of high performance and casual styles. Hype DC: Setting the standard for footwear retail in Australia. Not just a shoe retailer, they’ve grown into a market leading lifestyle specialist destination. Betts: Great quality women’s footwear. Wittner: The shoe specialists, incorporating latest runway trends into each collection of quality craftsmanship. Platypus: A smorgasbord of iconic sneaker brands from around the globe. kikki.K: Embracing the Swedish design principles of form and function to create seasonal collections of delicious stationery, gorgeous gifts and organisation solutions.
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Retail
Why region’s small Export to open up business matters for Darling Downs Small business vital cornerstone of Toowoomba’s economic strength By LEANNE GILLAM
CHAMBER CHAT: Our business community is represented by more than 14,572 local businesses, with about 97 per cent of local businesses being small businesses with 19
Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce general manager Leanne Gillam.
employees or less. Surprisingly, we see a similar trend in the export market and the Australian Bureau of Statistics has released the latest edition of its Characteristics of Australian Exporters, which provides exporter counts for 2014-15. Exporters are defined as micro, those with exports of less than $250,000, small to medium (SMEx) with exports between $250,000 - $50 million, and mega exporters, which have exports of more than $50 million. The national statistics were as follows: 79% of goods exporters were micro, 19% were SMEx and less than 1% were mega but mega accounted for 87.6% of the dollar value. Micro had the largest increase with 3294 exporters for the last financial year. Think global — buy local. Business awards We have had an astounding amount of applications received for this year’s Heritage Bank Business Excellence Awards and I would like to thank everyone for their participation in this inaugural event. Finalists will be announced in September and the awards night will be held on October 8 at the Empire Theatre. Tickets will be available soon and our theme is Breakfast at Tiffany’s so don’t forget your diamonds and pearls.
IN APRIL this year, Former Federal Member for Groom Ian Macfarlane announced a cash injection for TSBE, which was good news for export. Small and medium businesses in the Darling Downs will reap the benefits of major new export opportunities, with funding to help local businesses access Australia’s ground-breaking free trade agreements with China, Japan and Korea. It was announced Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise would receive funding under the Coalition Government’s Free Trade Agreement Training Provider Grant program, to help local business operators tap into Australia’s new trade treaties. “We want to educate local businesses about how to access and use the FTAs with three of Asia’s largest economies,” Mr Macfarlane said at the time. “Securing the free trade
Mr Macfarlane said the grants program was part of the Coalition’s strategy to help businesses adapt and diversify as the economy transitions from the mining boom. “Australia already ships 62 per cent of our total goods exports to these three key markets, and now there is a huge opportunity to expand our engagement, particularly in service sectors,” he said. “Increasing exports from the Darling Downs will drive growth and jobs for our region.”
agreements was an important first step, but the real value for the Darling Downs will flow when local businesses use the FTAs to increase exports into these three powerhouse economies.” Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise received $104,000 to deliver awareness forums, webinars and workshops aimed at increasing understanding, technical expertise and utilisation of the free trade agreements with China, Japan and Korea.
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Retail
Job campaign Chronicle launches 2016 job movement By BRIGID SIMEONI, ARM NEWSDESK, APRIL, 2016
RETAIL and construction have been flagged as booming industries for Toowoomba job seekers as massive projects go ahead in the region. Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce president Joy Mingay said the QIC retail precinct and Second Range Crossing were set to give the city a jobs and confidence boost. The Chronicle, in conjunction with Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, launched its 100 Jobs in 50 Days campaign in April in response to a survey showing the squeeze on jobs is a key concern for residents. The campaign aimed to see 100 local jobs advertised during seven weeks and get the community on board as to encourage employers to hire staff and help prepare job seekers for the workforce. The point was to highlight the positives, introduc the people and the businesses expanding, opening and having success on our patch. They are the people leading the city’s revival and
work in the area was challenging. It also revealed 40 per cent were not confident in the job market in Toowoomba, where the latest figures show the unemployment rate in the council area is 4.8%. “I think we’re very lucky our unemployment rate is lower than the state average but that’s not a lot of comfort for people who have been made redundant through the resources sector,” Mrs Mingay said. The recruitment expert said there was exciting progress in the city that would hopefully lead to more opportunities. “Small business is a massive employer in our region and if we can have a confident business economy people are encouraged to put that one more staff member on,” she said. She said there had been a — Joy Mingay few business closures but with the QIC Grand Central involved. In the survey, conducted by redevelopment bringing 1000 retail jobs in the next 12 The Chronicle with Maurice months, the mood in the Blackburn Lawyers, more community was quite than half of the people buoyant. questioned agreed finding this campaigned encouraged more people to step forward with information to be
“Small business is a massive employer in our region and if we can have a confident business economy people are encouraged to put that one more staff member on.
ENABLING CHANGE: This year The Chronicle launched a campaign to help residents find long term employment. Photo: Contributed Mrs Mingay said health and education sectors were strong and the city’s growing tourism industry and restaurant scene had potential. She said there had been a downturn in the resources sector but a lot of work in construction, with the
Second Range Crossing project expected to have a flow-on effect on the local economy. Maurice Blackburn Lawyers principal Rod Hodgson said securing employment opportunities in regional areas was vital for a thriving community.
“At Maurice Blackburn we have been fighting for workers’ rights since 1919,” Mr Hodgson said. “We believe secure work that is safe and that pays a living wage affords people dignity and respect, allowing them to contribute to their families and communities.”
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Retail
CBD boutique experience still shines in Toowoomba TOOWOOMBA has long been renowned for its CBD boutique shopping, but perhaps the most mentionable aspect of this is the city’s resillience. The boutique experience is still strong in the Garden City, despite the challenges
that shopping centres and online retail have thrown into the mix. From specialty stores through to gift and homewares and beloved fashion boutiques, Toowoomba seems to be bucking the trend seen in
other regional towns. Instead of closing up shop, there has been a quiet resurgence in boutiques in the CBD area. Newcomer Bungalow and Basket on Ruthven St dishes up fabulous coffee, gifts and homewares, standing
proudly in the same ranks as old favourite The Cumquat Tree on Margaret St, which stocks beautiful cards, gifts and homewares. New and old, there is an undeniable small business community in the city that continues to offer pleasant surprises for locals and visiting shoppers alike. There are also great offerings scattered further afield, such as Bridge St living and homewares boutique Quinci Living, Repeat Offenderz at Southtown shopping complex, Little Miracles Maternity Wear and the smattering of designer and secondhand shops in various suburbs. Great community support allows many locals to make a living through running their own small businesses. It is safe to say the local shopping experience is still alive and well in Toowoomba, and if local support is anything to go by, it’s hoped to continue this way into the DOWNTOWN VIBE: Jan Johnson and Chrissie Martin at the Launch of Sacha Drake winter col- future and to entice further lection at Oriri Boutique. Photo: Nev Madsen / The Chronicle business openings.
BOUTIQUE FASHION: Evoke Clothing owner Hayley Hoefler models a racewear look from her Station St fashion boutique. Photo: Bev Lacey / The Chronicle
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Retail
Arcade revival pays dividends IN APRIL of this year six sassy business owners joined together to showcase the Australia Arcade in Ruthven St which has been flourishing with an array of new stores. The six stores involved were Evoke Clothing, Florence and Marabel Collections, Oriri Boutique, Little Chiefs Boutique, Apothecary and Bella Chic Beauty.
Their idea was to bring people back into the Australia Arcade and CBD. The arcade’s first event, A Night of Fashion and Beauty, was a great success. Each store held in-house promotions, and there were also refreshments, canapes, live music and a fashion show. Marissa Thompson from Little Chiefs Boutique said
the arcade had transformed into a real beauty and fashion hub. “It’s a chance to invite people back into the arcade and say look at us now,” she said. Florence and Marabel Collections’ Donna Mills has a vision for the area to not be a shopping option but fashion destination. Their collections alone reflect Ms
Mills and her daughter Alexandria Cook. “We provide stylish but affordable fashions that work effortlessly with your lifestyle,” Ms Mills said. Bella Chic Beauty owner Tiffany Shannon was excited to showcase her hair and make up on the models. “The arcade was known to be quiet for so long but all these businesses have come
in the last seven months and the transformation has been incredible,” she said. Oriri Boutique is another newcomer, having moved from The Chronicle Arcade, with collections that cater to women of all sizes. New to Australia Arcade and Toowoomba itself is beauty shop Apothecary with its international products. “I’m excited to get my
name out there and meet the community,” owner Mandy Thurgar said. Evoke Clothing owner Hayley Hoefler said she was excited about future events in the arcade. The event was a show of the effort local boutiques are putting into keeping the vitality of arcade and CBD shopping in Toowoomba.
Sp ing i t C r neos th s car ival
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MAKING WAVES: Tayla and Kerry Noll and Judy Wallace from Oriri Boutique, Mandy Thurgar from Apothecary, Tiffany Shannon from Bella Chic Beauty, Hayley Hoefler from Evoke Clothing, Marissa Thompson from Little Chiefs Boutique and Donna Mills and Alexandria Cook from Florence and Marabel Collections ahead of their event in April of this year. Photo: Nev Madsen/The Chronicle
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Retail
Precinct brings decor dreams alive TOOWOOMBA’S newest large-scale retail and lifestyle precinct is set to open in 2017, with LJ Hooker Commercial already fielding interest from tenants for the array of business opportunities. LJ Hooker Commercial director Julie Stewart said Toowoomba Home+ was set to become a major home styling and retail centre in the Darling Downs, offering exceptional exposure on the Gore Highway. “The Toowoomba Home+ development site neighbours Bunnings, so once it’s completed, consumers will have everything they need to make their home beautiful inside and out in the one precinct,’’ Mrs Stewart said. “Toowoomba Home+ adds to the suite of new and improved shopping
architecturally designed by the Buchan Group. Focusing on the full spectrum of home living, LJ Hooker Commercial Toowoomba is seeking tenants specialising in lifestyle, electrical, homewares and furniture. Tenancies range from 300sq m to 6000sq m, with the — LJ Hooker Commercial centre housing a total net director Julie Stewart lettable area of 15,560sq m, as well as 675 on-grade car spaces. Toowoomba Home+ will also include a food precinct, experiences the city is which Mrs Stewart said welcoming, and will greatly would enhance the consumer add to the city’s overall appeal. lifestyle. “The opportunity for “It’s set to be a quality shoppers to peruse the latest development and we’ve lifestyle products and then received strong enquiry in have a coffee or light meal the first weeks of launching with friends and family will the array of leasing really make Toowoomba opportunities.” Home+ a popular day out.” The centre has been
“It’s set to be a quality development and we’ve received strong enquiry...
LIFESTYLE PRECINCT: The Toowoomba Home+ retail and lifestyle precinct will be completed next year. Photo: Contributed
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Retail
Bernoth welcomes extension Controversial project to transform south-side By ANDREW BACKHOUSE
designs looks nice on paper, when you speak with DEVELOPER Barry Bernoth engineers, builders and real estate, sometimes you need in July welcomed to modify the design,” Mr Toowoomba Regional Bernoth said. Council’s decision to extend The majority of the units an application for an eight-storey project in South will have two bedrooms and two bathrooms, and many Toowoomba. will have two parking spaces. A two-year extension was There will be about 4000sq granted after a heated debate m of commercial and retail in City Hall on July 19, 2016 with Cr Bill Cahill backed by space as well as office space. Mr Bernoth is hoping to two new councillors James employ a local building O’Shea and Megan O’Hara Sullivan in opposing the plan. company during construction and said more than 200 jobs Mr Bernoth said it was a could be created upon positive decision and he still believed in the project, which completion. Mr Bernoth said the will be located close to the southern side of Toowoomba City Golf Club. was well populated and Earlier in the year Toowoomba Regional Council growing. “I believe it would be approved modifications to something different and nice plans for the seven-storey for Toowoomba,” he said. South Central precinct at He said the project would 677-683 Ruthven St. take some time to put The precinct includes units, a retail and office area together and his planners would continue feasibility and a café/restaurant. studies to ensure it was Developer Barry Bernoth financially viable. said the changes included “We wouldn’t have gone reducing the number of units this far, and there has been and generally “simplifying big expenses up to this point, the design”. MAJOR DEVELOPMENT: The South Central precinct will be situation near the corner of if we didn’t think it could “While architectural Ruthven and Perth Sts. Photo: Contributed
CELEBRATION OF LIFE | P AT H O F S Y M B O L S
happen,” he said. His company Bernoth Holdings was originally granted approval to build the project in 2011. Construction was delayed because of the Global Financial Crisis and issues with demand. Council officers had recommended the extension be rejected in early July but that was overturned by a Cr Carol Taylor-led alternative motion. Cr Cahill said conditions had changed since the original approval and community members should be given a chance to voice their feelings for or against the project. However Cr Taylor’s argument won the day. She said just two neighbours had made submissions against the project. Cr Taylor said the council was dealing with concerns about traffic by studying the nearby intersection of Alderley and West Sts. Cr Nancy Sommerfield also voted against approving the extension.
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Food
Cafe culture explosion TOOWOOMBA’S café and restaurant scene is booming, with the city recently being likened to Melbourne. Many new eateries are popping up everywhere such as Muller Bros, a Brazilian-themed rooftop bar and restaurant. Skewers is another Melbourne-esque place for foodies to unite in the Garden City. The restaurant is situated
in a redecorated warehouse on Club Lane in the CBD and serves Indonesian street-style food. Coming soon is The 3rd Monkey, a café and dessert bar with a cheese and wine bar and whiskey bar. Also opening in September is 2 Birds, which will serve up everything chicken including fried chicken. If the traditional café scene is more for you, The
Bungalow and Basket on Ruthven St near Bell St Mall is a beautifully sunny café and corner giftware store. Otherwise there is Bon Amici’s with live music every first and third Friday evening of the month. Dietary requirements are also well catered for, with Full of Life Organics Wholefoods Café and Juicebar as well as vegetarian options available.
The Bungalow and Basket is a sunny cafe and home wares store on Ruthven St next to Bell DELICIOUS: Urth Cafe on Hume St is popular as a healthy food outlet. St Mall. Photo: Contributed Photo: Bev Lacey / The Chronicle
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Food
Enjoy foodie festival heaven Felton Festival
RECORD crowds headed to Felton Food Festival to sample the region’s freshest produce. More than 11,000 people from all over Queensland attended the festival, in comparison to 8000 last year. Organisers expanded the event program to make it the biggest since the event began in 2012. Event co-ordinator Debbie House said she was blown away by the crowds. “It’s just amazing to see so many people here,” she said. “People were arriving really early and we just keep getting bigger and better every year. “We extended the southern side to make more room to accommodate for the crowds. “I think city people are realising that they have to get out and see what the country is all about.” The festival is a showcase of fresh produce and country landscapes. People mingled among the 80 market stalls, took crop tours, met local farmers, learnt about the paddock to plate process and watched cooking demonstrations.
This year special guests were Costa Georgiadis, Matt Golinski, Jerry ColbyWilliams, Alison Alexander and for the first time, Glen Barratt. Ms House said what made Felton Food Festival unique was that it was on a farm and supported locals. “I think the reason it’s so popular is because it is a way of getting back to the land,” she said. “We really concentrate on fresh produce and where it comes from. “The event is on a working farm and I think people need that connection with the land.” Maggie Van Niekerk took her children to the festival for the day so they could spend a day out together in the country. “This is the second time we’ve been to the Felton Food Festival and it’s a lovely family day out,” Ms Van Niekerk said. “My children love it and it’s a way to check out all the fresh produce. “We try to eat healthy and fresh at home so it’s great that we can get tips and supplies all at the one place.”
Hampton Festival
THERE were plenty of delectable delights at this year’s Hampton Festival. Thousands of people made their way to the festival, with more than enough food and entertainment to satisfy the crowds. Restaurants, wineries, market retailers and artists showcased the very best in regional produce, flavours and artistic culture. Former MasterChef contestant and Cleo Bachelor of the Year Hayden Quinn headlined the festival, sharing his love for quality produce and accessible cooking through demonstrations. Donna Emmerton and her daughter Jaime attended one of Mr Quinn’s cooking demonstrations. Ms Emmerton said it was great to learn some new cooking tips. “It’s a wonderful day and all the food is delicious,” she said. The range of food on offer included Greek, Turkish and Vietnamese cuisine, pizza, gelato and a selection of cheese and wine to appease all different tastes.
GREAT DAY: Julianne Buckle from Koala Farms and Debbie House at the Felton Food Festival. Photo: Bev Lacey / The Chronicle
Hampton residents Justin and Kylie and Justin Russell, Hampton residents who are strong supporters of the Hampton Festival. Photo: Contributed
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Food
City’s calendar highlight delights The Ergon Energy Flower, Food and Wine Festival does not disappoint FESTIVAL REVALRY: The three day festival is an eclectic mix of food, wine, music and THE program for this year’s performance. Photo: Contributed Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers has been unveiled with musical headliners and the top names in gardening. The carnival will be held over 10 days from September 16 to 25 with a program of more than 50 events across music, food, wine, floral art and gardening. Top musical acts will perform over the three days of the Ergon Energy Flower, Food and Wine Festival including internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Tim Finn, The Whitlams, Katie Noonan’s Vanguard, Birds of Tokyo, Montaigne, Emma Louise, The Chantoozies and Eurogliders and Models. GOOD DROP: Rebecca Struss and Harriet McAuley sample the wine at the Ergon Energy In a major coup for Flower, Food and Wine Festival in Queens Park. Photo: Kevin Farmer / The Chronicle
organisers, three of Australia’s leading names in floral design will also be at this year’s carnival. Annita Bokobli is the current 2016 Interflora Australia Cup winner, which is the country’s most presitigous award for individual floral designers, Charlie Albone is a Chelsea Flower Garden Show winner and Bart Hassam is a four-time Australian Interflora Florist of the year and Intercontinental Asia Cup winner. The carnival will also host a top name in food, celebrity chef Miguel Maestre, who will support a range of local chefs and cook with the best regional produce. In a carnival first, a
welcoming program called Carnival Greeters will also take place over the ten days. More than 50 greeters will be on hand to guide visitors and locals on walks and tours of the city. As always the Grand Central Floral Parade will remain at the heart of the world-class celebration and will bring the city to a standstill on Saturday, September 17 when more than 100,000 people line the streets. And there will be something for everyone with numerous food stalls sporting everything from ethnic cuisine through to dessert and gourmet, as well as local produce, wines and brews.
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Food
International export links prove boom for our region of International Agricultural Cooperation, and will directly link the region’s food producers and manufacturers with the Chinese market. TSBE chief executive officer Dr Ben Lyons said signing of the new presence in Beijing marks a significant milestone for the region. “This presence will allow food and agriculture producers to be more agile as they find their footing in the Chinese market by providing assistance in areas where businesses are typically constrained by their own capabilities, ultimately seeing our regional produce go from paddock to plate much quicker. “Australia’s competitive advantage as an exporter to China has greatly been enhanced following the official commencement of the China — Australia Free Trade Agreement at the end of 2015, and we see our new in-market position as a leg up for our regional exporters. “We expect that the Food
Leaders Beijing office will not only speed up the process for businesses wanting to get into the Chinese market, but also put the Toowoomba region on the map with our Chinese counterparts and industry representatives.” The office is TSBE’s second presence in China after the launch of the Shanghai office in 2015. The Beijing office expects to gain traction quickly off the back of TSBE’s ongoing work in China. FLA general manager Jo Sheppard said with Australia continuing to look toward Asia as a fast growing export destination, providing on-the-ground help was imperative.
GET SET: John Wagner, Mayor Paul Antonio and Dr Ben Lyons at TSBE's Access China 16 delegation announcement taking passsengers from Wellcamp airport to China flying Qantas for a five-day program aimed at activating trade opportunities.Photo: Kevin Farmer/The Chronicle
“We are working with more and more food and Ag businesses looking to Asia and in particular China as a growth opportunity,” Ms Sheppard said. “Through the new office we can give our members specialised market intelligence on complex policy issues and regulatory systems and strategic engagement advice and opportunities, which in the Chinese market is vital. “In particular, for smaller businesses who are wanting to engage with international markets but may not have access to an in-house research capability, this expanded presence in China will be of significant value.”
OPPORTUNITIES RIPE: TSBE's China Business Development Manager Wen Liu with Mort & Co's Sales and Marketing Manager Tim Burgess at their Phoenix Beef Brand launch in Beijing. Photo: Contributed
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A PERMANENT link between China's capital Beijing and one of the most agriculturally-rich regions of Australia has been secured. Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise strengthened its position in China with the group’s new Beijing office officially open for business. The new office extends TSBE's Food Leaders Australia initiative, with its Beijing office formally launched last week. TSBE business development manager for China Wen Liu was in Beijing for the official memorandum of understanding signing. TSBE launched FLA in May last year to help Australian food producing and processing businesses get export-ready for opportunities in booming international markets. Signing the agreement marks the start of an exciting partnership with China’s national-level research agency, the China Association of the Promotion
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Property
Palm Lakes Resort set to double to meet demand A TOOWOOMBA retirement resort is set to double in size as demand for the low-maintenance lifestyle increases. The $100 million development at Palm Lake Resort in Hogg and Tor Sts will see the 221 current homes more than double with 322 new homes planned. Palm Lake Group town planner Suzanne Jensen said stage one, 28 new homes, would be complete in October. “Our existing resort sold very well, and we've had numerous expressions of interest with the first sites offered,” she said. The first stage will be opposite a new clubhouse expected to begin construction early next year after building approvals. The extension will host a bowling alley, lawn bowls green, golf simulator, tennis courts, gym, outdoor and heated indoor pool and a movie cinema. Stage two will begin after the first offering of sites is Palm Lakes Resort Toowoomba is set to double in size as demand for the low-maintenance lifestyle increases. Photo: Contributed completed, with stages two
and three hosting the next 120 dwellings. Earthworks for all three stages has begu and a full size undercover bowling green under construction.Toowoomba contractors are the big winners, with $100m pumped in to the economy across the development with about 90 local jobs. Ms Jensen said retirees were moving to Toowoomba for the quiet city atmosphere but extensive amenities and hospital services. She said many people were moving from Brisbane or retiring from farming properties. “I found clients are attracted to the social aspect, safe, secure and low-maintenance lifestyle,” she said. The opportunity to downsize into a new home was also a selling point for the owner-occupied market. The extension of Palm Lake Resort Toowoomba is expected to employ 90 tradespeople as well as 10 long-term positions.
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Property
Dan Dwan from Colliers shares regional predictions THERE is a growing interest among Australians to invest in commercial property, particularly at a time when investors are looking to maximise the return on their investment dollar with low interest rates and cashed up self-managed super funds. The Toowoomba region is very much part of this with the region attracting more significant investment interest as the area continues to evolve as a strong economic hub, with a significant increase in the number of investors showing interest in local assets. With the region being in the infrastructure and development spotlight, investors are starting to recognise the economic stability of the region and are placing a more favourable outlook on long-term investment in the region. Although locals have known of the benefits of investing in the region for a
TRUSTY SELL: Colliers International Toowoomba managing director Dan Dwan. Photo: Contributed long time, many outside investors, until recently, still looked upon Toowoomba as a big country town to invest in and as a result expected higher returns for assets in the region. This is changing. The Toowoomba commercial property market has seen some significant
GREAT RETURN: Toowoomba and the region are delivering good returns on investments. transactions of tenanted assets over the past 12 months with some of these properties transacted in an “off market” situation.
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Photo: Contributed commercial investments, sellers that are on the market are seeing their expectations exceeded with favourable results achieved.
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Motoring
Bold expansion transforms West-Star Motors WEST-STAR Motors expansion was one of the boldest redevelopments to occur along James Street in recent years. The expansion was finalised in May last year and included major upgrades to the Mercedes and Hyundai dealershipsm as well as the additions of the Citroen and Peugeot brands to the business. There was an extensive renovation, which saw the site extend along James St, to take up the block from Hume St to Phillips St. The project tripled the size of the business’ Mercedes Benz and Hyundai dealerships, including a new Mercedes showroom and refurbishment of the existing building for the new Hyundai showroom. A new workshop and parts department with
Page 22.
STARRY EYED: Ted Edwards, Dealer Principal of West-Star The redeveloped West-Star Motors on the corner of James and Hume Streets. Motors, celebrates the expansion of the dealership. Photo: Bev Lacey Photo: Nev Madsen drive-through service centre was also part of the redevelopment. The expansion project was completed on a
stage-by-stage basis, ensuring the business could operate throughout the period. West-Star Motors dealer
principal Ted Edwards said the project was years in the making and it was a thrill to see it all come to fruition. “We have noticed a
substantial increase in inquiries and sales since the expansion,” Mr Edwards said. “Customers have been
delighted with new premises and we couldn’t be happier with how it is coming along,” he said. — with Meghan Harris
Motoring
Wippells grows with city By ALYSSA WELKE
WIPPELLS Autos group has expanded significantly in the past five years, making them one of Toowoomba’s biggest car dealerships. As a long-established and respected Toowoomba company, Wippells Autos have invested heavily in redeveloping and expanding the dealership with about $10 million spent on land and building developments. With Audi, Land Rover, Jaguar, Skoda, Mazda, Subaru and Volkswagen passenger and commercial vehicle dealerships, as well as a used car and extensive service centre, Wippells Autos has spent $10 million
on expanding its land and buildings. The Wippells Autos group in July 2015 started representing both Land Rover and Jaguar in Toowoomba from its Clifford Street site. Dealer principal David Russell said Land Rover Jaguar was temporarily trading from a newly built showroom on the Corner of Clifford and Grange streets ahead of a purpose-built facility to global Jaguar Land Rover standards being built in 2017. He said works would commence in January 2017. “JLR has been an excellent acquisition for the group due to its amazing period of
Toowoomba welcomes first Lexus dealership
MAJOR GROWTH: Wippells Autos dealer principal David Russell has guided the business through a massive period of expansion. Photo: Contributed
“Most other dealership facilities have also recently been or about to be upgraded and renovated to give our customers the most professional environment to conduct business.
A STATE-OF-THE-ART automotive showroom is taking shape in the Toowoomba CBD with works started in June. Works have started at the existing Toowoomba Toyota dealership in Ruthven St to build the two-storey Lexus dealership showroom. Toowoomba Regional Council approved the development in early June. The Lexus showroom will cover 521sq m and will include a car lift, foyer, general display area, reception, offices and
guest and staff amenities. The showroom building is double storey and will have a maximum height of 10.3 metres from ground level. The building will be characterised by contemporary architectural design and lightweight building materials to achieve visual compatibility with the character of surrounding development. The used cars sales office will be single storey with a maximum height of 3m.
— David Russell
global growth and expansion of its product portfolio,” Mr Russell said. “Most other dealership facilities have also recently been or about to be upgraded and renovated to give our customers the most professional environment to conduct business. “The group has expanded its used car presence
diagonally across from the main dealership on the corner of Herries and Clifford streets allowing for an increased range of used car options for potential buyers.” This has also included the purchase of adjoining land in Grange St creating 75 car parks for customer use and convenience.
COMING SOON: The new Lexus dealership showroom in Ruthven St, Toowoomba.
Page 23
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*Limited offers offers available at Armstrong Ford while last. Private and Blue, Silver andand Gold Business only. Stock Stockmay may available at <Hometown Ford>stocks while stocks last. Private and Blue, Silver Gold BusinessFleet Fleetcustomers customers only. *Limited vary between Dealers. All prices are are recommended. Ford andand Ford Australia reserve or extend extendthese theseoffers. offers. vary between Dealers. All prices recommended.Armstrong <Hometown Ford> Ford Australia reservethe theright rightto tochange change or See ford.com.au for full DNA3502_HP DNA3502_HP See ford.com.au for details. full details.
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78 Neil St, Toowoomba | 4638 5455 www.armstrongauto.com.au ^ Offer applies to new Jeep Patriot Sport with automatic transmission purchased, pair for and delivered by 30 September 2016, excluding demonstrator vehicles. Drive away price includes all on-road costs and Black, Bright White or Billet Silver paint. All other paint colours incur an additional cost. Private buyers only, excludes government and fleet buyers. # Offer applies to new Jeep Compass Sport with automatic transmission purchased, paid for and delivered by 30 September 2016, excluding demonstrator vehicles. Drive away price includes all on-road costs and Bright White or Billet Silver Paint. All other paint colours incur an additional cost. Private buyers only, excludes government and fleet buyers. * Offer applies to new Jeep Renegade Sport with manual transmission purchased, paid for and delivered by 30 September 2016, excluding demonstrator vehicles. Drive away price shown includes all on-road costs and free metallic paint. Free metallic paint not redeemable for cash. Private buyers only, excludes government and fleet buyers. + Offer applies to new Jeep Cherokee Sport MY15 models (including 2014 production models) purchased, paid for and delivered by 30 September 2016 excluding demonstrator vehicles. Drive away price includes all on-road costs and Bright White, Billet Silver or Anvill paint. All other paint colours incur an additional cost. Private buyers only, excludes government and fleet buyers. ~ Offer applies to new Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x2 purchased, price for and delivered by 30 September 2016 excluding demonstrator vehicles. Drive away price includes all on-road costs and Bright White or Billet Silver paint. All other paint colours incur an additional cost. Private buyers only, excludes government and fleet buyers. FCA Australia Pty Ltd reserves the right to vary or extend the above offers. Jeep® is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC 6422403aa
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Motoring
Armstrong shows faith
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THE strength of Toowoomba’s economy has driven Armstrong Auto Group’s purchase of Southern Cross Automotive. The Toowoomba company, headed by business identities John and Jacqui Armstrong, fended off intense interest from national dealers in the competitive sale last August. It marks the company’s first expansion into the Western Downs with Roma’s Southern Cross dealership now falling under the Armstrong name. Company director John Armstrong said the opportunity Southern Cross represented to the company was irresistible. “Realistically it was a fantastic opportunity just for the expansion of our current business interests in Toowoomba,” he said. “We’re passionate about the region and the area, and we think it’s just a prime
ECONOMIC STRENGTH: The Armstrong Auto Group dealership owners John and Jacqui Armstrong purchased Southern Cross Auotmotive last year. Photo: Bev Lacey opportunity to grow our business in Toowoomba and the Darling Downs. The sale brought major car brands BMW, Volvo, Renault and Ford under the Armstrong Auto Group banner, adding to its existing line that includes Nissan, Suzuki, Fiat, Chrysler and Jeep. Hedge and Associates managing director Peter Hedge handled the receivership and commended
the Armstrong Auto Group’s competitiveness against major dealers. It was the strength of the Toowoomba economy that bolstered the local company’s chance against the bigger dealerships. “The fact that there was somebody of the calibre of Armstrong who actually has an existing business in Toowoomba is a compliment to him (John Armstrong) and the region.”
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Drive away price includes Dealer delivery, stamp duty, registration and compulsory third party insurance. *Reward Seats are based on a one-way Economy Reward Seat, and do not include taxes, carrier charges and fees. Subject to availability. #Terms and conditions apply including return of car within 7 days and reinstatement of our pre-sale position. Ask your dealer for full details. Private or ABN buyers only. ^Up to four standard scheduled services (as specified in the Service Warranty Booklet) for the first three years or 60,000km, whichever comes first. ~Balance of 5 year/130,000 km warranty (whichever comes first).
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Education
TAFE partnership creates jobs A PARTNERSHIP between Grand Central Shopping Centre and TAFE Queensland South West will pay huge benefits to many people currently looking for work. Eligible residents will be able to kick-start their career in retail and hospitality with the additional help of funding from Grand Central, which will support training for up
to 550 places in retail and hospitality courses. The partnership is part of the $500 million transformation of Grand Central. It is expected to add about 1000 retail and hospitality jobs once completed. Grand Central centre manager Shaine Beveridge was delighted with the deal and keen to invest in helping
upskill local residents in preparation for the many new retail and hospitality jobs being created as part of the redevelopment. TAFE Queensland South West Director, Corporate Solutions Michele Berkhout said the contribution from Grand Central towards training costs would give many students a qualification they might never have had.
JOB GROWTH: Grand Central centre manager Shaine Beveridge and TAFE director of corporate solutions Michele Berkhout have collaborated on the job creation initiative. OPPORTUNITIES: John Poole and Georgia Glanville were part of a group of TAFE Queensland Photo: Nev Madsen South West students given a tour of the Grand Central redevelopment. Photo: Kevin Farmer
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Education
DGT CEO Darren McDonell, Chairman John Blakeney and Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul IN THE FIELD: Charles White shows the ropes to two of DGT's school based apprentices. Antonio. Photo: Contributed Photo: Contributed
DGT training centre opened THE new DGT Training Centre was officially opened in May of this year by Mayor Paul Antonio. Located at 56 Duhig St, the centre will serve to facilitate all DGT learners, provide short courses for industry such as first aid, working at heights, confined spaces and forklift licenses, function room hire, workshop facilities for practical qualifications, and longer certification programs such as Certificate IV in Training
and Assessment. DGT Chairman John Blakeney addressed the gathering and spoke of how far the company had come after the devastating 2011 floods hit the group’s Ruthven Street offices. He said the spirit of the company was to push on and not close up shop after the devastation. John also reminisced on why the company first started more than 28 years ago.
“They (the founders) wanted to help people, mainly young ones, to get apprenticeships and training — to get jobs and develop skills that could take them to the top of their profession.” CEO Darren McDonell spoke about the important work of the centre. “The facility will allow DGT to meet our corporate objectives of delivering services that are responsive, innovative and viable to ensure customer satisfaction
and to seek out partnerships with stakeholders in the community that add economic and social value,” Mr McDonell said. “Whilst it is important for DGT to increase our turnover, the most important figure is the number of students we educate each year. “Last year, we educated just over 2700 students and we are on target to the do the same again this year, and we haven’t had this facility for
five months. “Over the past four years, we have educated around 10,000 students in our training centre. “The three-year target is to educate over 4000 learners per year.” Thereby solidifying the invaluable contribution DGT makes in educating our community. In his speech, Mayor Antonio related his own education to his success and spoke on the importance of
One College for the Whole Family
education and training for any community. “The education and training system has changed dramatically, it takes a lot of dedication,” he said. “You realise why training is so important and why it is important that we nurture our young people. “There is probably no better example of a good organisation that is doing a lot for this community than DGT itself,” he said.
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Education
TACAPS adds new chapter to history School reinvents itself to meet needs THE Toowoomba Anglican College and Preparatory School welcomed its first cohort of year 8 students in 2014 and the school has gone from strength to strength since. TACAPS is one of Australia’s finest K-12 co-educational independent day and boarding schools for Primary and Secondary aged students. Simon Lees stepped into the leadership as Head of School an exciting time for the school, as it began the transition towards becoming a fully accredited Senior School offering kindergarten to year 12 education, and is
Page 34.
and exciting time,” he said. He maintained that he was also passionate about maintaining the school’s proud tradition. “There is a lot about the school we don’t want to — Head of School Simon Lees change.” The school is a leader in education and has transformed itself to suit the needs of the city since its still at the helm. inception in 1911, all while Mr Lees was honoured to maintaining its position on be appointed in the the escarpment at the top of leadership position during Campbell St. this phase of the school’s The addition of a development. secondary college was the “I’m looking forward to next step for this proud working in one of the PROUD LEADER: Simon Lees has been the Head of School at the Toowoomba Anglican College educational facility. country’s leading boarding and Preparatory School since the start of secondary education at the facility in 2014. — with Rachael Murray schools during this unique Photo: Bev Lacey
“There is a lot about the school we don’t want to change.
Education
USQ builds on international partnership with China A DELEGATION from China’s Qilu University of Technology visited the University of Southern Queensland in June to explore potential future collaborations. USQ chancellor Mr John Dornbusch and vice-chancellor and president professor Jan Thomas welcomed the group led by QLUT chairman of University Council Mr Zhang Shichang. Professor Thomas said the international delegation gained an insight into the boundless opportunities available at USQ through a campus tour and meetings with key sections of the University. “It was a great pleasure to meet with the Qilu University of Technology delegation and introduce them to USQ,” professor Thomas said. “A partnership between our universities would hold great potential for collaborations such as articulation programs and joint research programs in
the future.” Professor Thomas said USQ had a network of partners around the world, complementing the university’s global reach. “With 75 per cent of our students choosing to study online, USQ has developed a reputation as one of Australia’s leading universities in online learning. “Our students can complete their degrees from anywhere in the world.” USQ International and development executive director professor Talal Yusaf said talks with QLUT covered fields including: engineering, information technology, wine studies, business and commerce and resilient and regional economics. “Both universities have comprehensive engineering departments, especially in the area of mechanical engineering,” Professor Yusaf said. “QLUT has a strong wine studies program,
QLUT Director International Zheng Zhong, Professor Talal Yusaf (USQ International), QLUT Chairman of University Council Zhang Shichang, USQ Chancellor John Dornbusch, USQ Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Jan Thomas, QLUT School of Bio-Engineering Liu Xinli. Photo: USQ Photography a good match for USQ’s Wine Science specialisation and
our Queensland College of Wine Tourism.”
For more information about USQ International visit
usq.edu.au/study/ international.
A Snapshot of Term 3, 2016
Page 35
Education
Highfields high school evolves IN JULY the second stage of Highfields State Secondary College was well under way with new construction just started. The school was originally built to cater for years seven to nine, with the expansion always part of the plan. Once construction is complete the school will include classrooms for secondary senior students. Not only will there be new classrooms, the expansion will also consist of a performing arts block which will incorporate dance, drama, music and media, a visual arts centre, an industry standard kitchen for hospitality, a senior industrial technology unit and staff room. School principal Sharon Barker said when the second stage was finished it would look spectacular. “This is a really exciting
part of the development of the school,” she said. “We will have extra classrooms but our new state-of-the-art facilities will make the school extra special. “All the additional speciality rooms will pave the way for specialist classes.” Building construction and civil company McNab is in charge of the expansion and project manager Wade Jackwitz said the second stage would work in seamlessly with the existing school. “We are working closely with the school and coming up with something that works with the staff and students and is something everyone is happy with,” he said. Wade Jackwitz and Sharon Barker look over plans for the Highfields State Secondary School second stage. “Time in this situation is For more information fitted out before school starts passionate people makes the College is accepting very important; we plan to contact the school on enrolments from all around job significantly easier.” next year. get it completed around 4614 7222. Highfields State Secondary Toowoomba. “Working with such November so it can all be
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Mary MacKillop takes on senior students By CHARLOTTE LAM
have enormous pride in the school, I hope to see students well engaged, who are MORE than 40 Year 7 and 8 students had their first day of faith-filled and achieving excellence,“ he said. school at Mary MacKillop Year seven student Nathan Catholic College’s new Haddow has been attending secondary campus in Mary MacKillop Catholic January of this year. College since prep. It is a new move for the “There are lots of new well-known school. buildings and new subjects Principal Peter Murphy for me this year, I hope it’s a said the Highfields campus good year,” he said. was abuzz with excitement. Fellow student Maddie “In 2016 we’re starting Dobson said now she was in things that have never existed in the school before,” high school it was time to think about what she would he said. “We’re introducing a band like to be when she grew up. “I haven’t made up my program, we have after mind but I’m hoping now that school dance, after school I’m in high school, my school drama, after school art and will show me the right path.” after school homework class Mr Murphy, who has been and have also introduced a principal at the school for maths and science club.” one year, said the school Buildings for the would grow by one grade secondary campus were each year until it offered competed in December 2015 Prep to Year 12. with the turf and gardens “What I like about this finished in January. school is that it’s distinctively The campus boasts eight Australian, being called Mary general learning rooms, a science laboratory, art room, MacKillop, and carries her values,” he said. combined timber and metal “Another distinctive trait room and more. is compulsory drama in Mr Murphy said it was an exciting year as the college’s secondary school — it’s a strong recommendation we Year 7s had a senior campus believe in that falls off the THE NEXT STEP: Nathan Haddow, Gretel Worner and Maddie Dobson look forward to their first day as Year 7s at Mary MacKillop to use. curriculum at other schools.” “I hope to see students Catholic College. Photo: Nev Madsen/The Chronicle
COMIC CON:
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Get ready to unleash
your inner nerd!
Toowoomba's first ever all-ages comic convention is coming to the new Toowoomba City Library on 24 September. Join us from 9.30am – 4pm for the very best in comics, cosplay, anime, console gaming, tabletop gaming, original artwork, trading cards, comic creators and celebrity guests!
Evelnutdse: inc
• Special appearance by Stephanie 'Hex' Bendixsen from 9.30am – 12.30pm • Special guest comic illustrators-Adam Nichols, Adam Rose, Wayne Nichols, Rob O'Connor and Will McLaren • Comic illustration workshop with Adam Rose at 1pm for ages 8-12 (to book, email info@tr.qld.gov.au)
• Kaboom Comics! and Neo Tokyo pop-up shops • Anime trivia competition and anime lab • Cosplay panels with Libjumper, Artisan's Theory, Gaming Goddess, Miss K Maree and Mangalphantom • Scavenger hunt with Actionbound App • Free face painting and craft bar for kids • Gaming zone (console, card and tabletop gaming demonstrations) • Pop culture markets • Green screen photo booth • Zombie makeup booth • Superhero family movie night in the Civic squareGuardians of the Galaxy. Prizes for best costume for boy, girl and family. 6.30pm start. Please note not all vendors have card facilities - cash is advised.
We can’t wait to see you there! Toowoomba City Library is located Cnr Herries and Victoria streets, Toowoomba.
For more info on Comic Con call 4688 6670 or visit www.tr.qld.gov.au Page 37
Recreation
What is Toowoomba’s point TOOWOOMBA is waking, stretching its cramped wings and lifting its own unique head above our sleepy Darling Downs fog. This city has always been a great one to raise a family in or enter the business world, there is no denying that. But something else is happening here now. The generation who normally finishes school and high-tails it to somewhere more happening is staying. Things are happening here, and the population — as well as the rest of the country — is starting to notice. A man behind much of Toowoomba’s recent contemporary developments (The Office bar and restaurant in Duggan St, Walton Stores in Ruthven St) is also wholly aware of that Holy Grail: civic vibrance. Graham Secombe of Aspect Architecture recently presented at the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s breakfast, held at Picnic Point. He is passionate about one thing in particular; Toowoomba’s point of difference.
With a CBD comparable to London’s in size, generally stretching from James St across to Kitchener, over to Bridge and then up to West St, we have plenty to work with. “As compared to a lot of CBDs around the country, we still have something there — it’s still quite interesting,” Graham says. “And I suppose the question is, what will we end up with?” There is just one problem with development, particularly in a city going gangbusters such as Toowoomba, with projects like the Second Range Crossing, Wellcamp airport and the Inland Rail slingshotting us toward a booming future. Developers need a solid financial return and want to cash in before the rest of Australia snaps up the opportunities in what is still relatively cheap real estate, and the local council wants to ensure we don’t end up with a concrete jungle New York skyline atop our Great Dividing Range perch. The result? Some frustrations. The Toowoomba Regional Council has a plan however,
and it is a good one, based on four key points. “Development and change will be driven by the themes of sustainability, civic vibrance, heritage and investment,” it reads. In his address Graham congratulated the council on the plan, and delved into the question of whether we are ‘getting it right’. “So looking at it on a global stage, are we enhancing our liveability?” “Talking about the built form, are we enhancing our liveability?” He cited a recent study by American neuroscientist, Colin Ellard which found “Boring architecture takes an emotional toll on people forced to live in or around it.” “Ellard argues some of the happiest blocks in New York are kind of ugly and messy, so we don’t need to gentrify everything, we can leave some of the substance of what has been.” Sustainability Being a developer, Graham is an advocate for change, but he believes it should be conditional. “The NAB building was the same as the Beresford building opposite (cnr Ruthven and Russell Sts),
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Graham tells the crowd”, “they knocked it down and built that. What legacy is that leaving?” “The thing that keeps coming back to my mind is what’s Toowoomba’s point of difference? Do we want it the same as everywhere else?” Toowoomba has some phenomenal old buildings — the railway, the Alexandra building, any number that you can spot while wondering through the CBD. He is an avid supporter of
bulk and scale in Toowoomba’s CBD, staying away from the bland, ‘big box’ developments he describes as a worrying trend. And to his credit, Graham is putting his money where his mouth is, with his Ruthven St development Walton Stores utilising the existing historical fabric of the buildings. Civic vibrance Crossing our main streets on foot, you are requested by signage to give way to cars.
“This culture we have in Toowoomba; people want to drive and park in front of the shop they want to go to, they don’t want to walk 100m and embrace the day,” Graham says. “We’ve got to change those signs — we need to make people the priority in our CBD, not the cars.” He also congratulated council on Kwong Sang Walk, which supports the masterplan of drawing people back into the CBD and creating liveability and
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Recreation
of difference? to embrace it. Heritage Toowoomba is fortunate to be peppered with grand old buildings, which need protection. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It has to be done in a way that works in with the development sector,â&#x20AC;? Graham urges. He recently experienced frustration while receiving permission to demolish besser block buildings and skillion (flat) roofs which had been tacked on over the years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had to do a heritage impact assessment to knock down this stuff,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But the old Westpac building on the corner of Ruthven and Margaret has no state, federal or local heritage listing â&#x20AC;&#x201D; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of Toowoombaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature buildings.â&#x20AC;? The man does have a point. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s specific buildings like the Westpac building, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grab them, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hold them, if thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s some fabric of some other buildings that need to be retained letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grab them, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hold them â&#x20AC;&#x201D; but if thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skillion roofs, besser blocks, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s let them go.â&#x20AC;? Investment A large portion of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
vibrancy in the historical centre. Ground Up Espresso Bar in Searleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Walk (recently named in Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top ten cafes!) has been a major catalyst for our burgeoning laneway culture, with other venues â&#x20AC;&#x201D; such as Skewers Indonesian bar and restaurant popping up in Club Lane â&#x20AC;&#x201D; following a similar business model. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To have a great vibrancy do we embrace the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;big box mentality?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Graham asks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Or to get people on the streets do we embrace that eclectic mix of buildings, which Toowoomba still has, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not like every other city.â&#x20AC;? Creating activation areas is a current â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;buzz phraseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for a reason: it works. The huge response to events such as One Table (sold out, though later cancelled), Pop will Eat Itself (sold out, Mills Precinct) and the support our community has thrown behind initiatives such as Friday Night Bites, My Local Feast Farmers Markets and general support of events held in our public spaces and new venues and eateries is proof that Toowoomba is not only ready for civic vibrancy, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leaping
investment comes from the private sector, and Graham calls for investors to be embraced as the solution. This should of course be approached with caution, staying true to the councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s masterplan should be key. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It seems nowadays developers walk in and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s this combative approach at the officer level,â&#x20AC;? Graham says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s simplify the process, not complicate it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s developers out there who want to work with the fabric of what the city is, with the vision of the masterplan weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve actually put together, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s make it simple, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not put extra layers of red tape.â&#x20AC;? Graham believes sympathetic development that aligns with the councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s should be encouraged. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cause thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a really, really good thing; if people want to actually put their hard-earned money into our city, to make it a vibrant thing that aligns with the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s masterplan, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grab it and run with it.â&#x20AC;? One thing is undeniable, our beloved sleeping dragon of a city is awakening; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great time to be a resident.
The Walton Stores project will feature a grassed civic square, large public TV screen and outdoor cafes and bars. Photo: Contributed
STREET ART: Adelaide's Lisa King has painted this Bowen St wall for First Coat Street Art Festival. Photo: Kevin Farmer/ The Chronicle
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Recreation
FRESH START: TheToowoomba Railway Parklands will transform the city.
The parklands project covers an area of about 50 hectares and is a Priority Development Area. Photos: Artist Impression
Parklands key in urban renewal By ANDREW BACKHOUSE
A WATER feature is on the cards in the Toowoomba Railway Parklands Priority Development Area, the city’s mayor said in February. Mayor Paul Antonio said council would look closely at having a water feature as part of the development. “The community would love a feature and that’s what we as a council need to see if we can incorporate.’’ Cr Antonio said council
would consider a shallow pool that people could wade into, along the lines of existing pools in the Ipswich region. A scheme for the urban village and parkland was formally adopted by the State Government earlier this year. Up to 3300 construction jobs and 1800 jobs in retail and service industries could be created by the project in future years. Cr Antonio said it would be Toowoomba’s version of
Southbank. “It’s exciting for the CBD of Toowoomba and will give an opportunity for people who want to live in Toowoomba a place to live in an urban village,” Cr Antonio said. “There will be walkways, bike-ways and parklands and the development of the goods shed will make it iconic. “We can do it and we can do it well. “This is an opportunity for the community.” Now the scheme has been
officially adopted, the next step is attracting private investment. Cr Antonio said there was significant interest from Toowoomba companies. “The private sector will ultimately be the people who will bring the whole thing forward,” he said. “Government will have a role and responsibility to do a lot, but it will be the private sector that will drive it. “The redevelopment of the shed will be costly and it will
require a significant amount of money to transform it to a standard that can be used by the public.” State and Federal government funding will also play a part, with Cr Antonio saying he would lobby both levels of government for funding. Cr Antonio said the project would not happen overnight and gave the huge development a 20-year time-frame. The area has been given
special designation by council which allows for faster development. The PDA covers land centred on and around the Toowoomba railyards which extends north to Bridge St and south to Russell St; it is bounded by Mort St to the west and Ruthven and Neil Sts to the east. The parklands project covers an area of about 50 hectares and was declared a Priority Development Area on December 12, 2014.
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Recreation
Call for cultural revolution triggers new CBD ventures By ALYSSA WELKE
TOOWOOMBA’S younger, visionary residents have long been calling for positive change in the city’s dining and recreation spheres. This call to action has been heard by business owners and developers alike, with the CBD rapidly being transformed into a vibrant hotspot once again. The city’s residents have well and truly embraced laneway culture, taking a leave out of Australia’s foodie capital Melbourne’s book. Businesses such as Ground Up Espresso Bar, Skewers Restaurant, 3rd Monkey Dessert Bar, Kajoku Korean and Japanese Cuisine and Mullers Bros have stepped away from the traditional store fronts and have utilised often forgotten laneway, first-floor and pedestrian mall premises to create vibrant and eclectic mix of options. And the resurgence of CULTURAL SHIFT: Ground Up Espresso Bar, in Searles Lane, has helped to drive a cultural change. Photo: Rachael Murray arcade shopping has helped
“There’s no doubt the laneway culture has revitalised the CBD; it is a really great move forward for Toowoomba.
— Drew Camm
to revive the CBD as well with Australia Arcade and Chronicle Arcade boasting a blend of boutique shopping, beauty bars and professional offices. Drew Camm of McGrath Commercial Toowoomba said with the emergence of Toowoomba’s laneway culture and ongoing support of the new inner city ventures, it was natural that more of this style of premises would become available. “That whole smoky jazz bar feel is what people are looking for now,” Mr Camm said. “There’s no doubt the laneway culture has revitalised the CBD; it is a really great move forward for Toowoomba.
I don’t think we’re finished with laneway culture; it creates this exploring culture like in Sydney and Melbourne. “You’ll be walking around and discover something and feel like you’re the first person to discover it, which is great.” Mr Camm said it was great to see landlords embracing this cultural shift and allowing a business to have a go. He said the emergence of first-floor premises would continue but business owner needed ensure they had a strong point of difference. “Kajoku proved (first-floor premises) will work if you have a different offering.”
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Recreation
Sports park caters to districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth Highfields benefits from project HIGHFIELDS Sport and Recreation Park is a district level recreation and sports park at 220 Barracks Rd, Highfields. It provides new sporting facilities for the high growth community in and around Highfields. The vision for the recreation park is to provide a high quality multi-sports facility that offers a range of opportunities for local members and visiting teams. The facility will also provide quality recreation and physical activity spaces for visitors and nearby residents. The facility will be used daily for training and competition, and it also has the capacity to host larger sporting events and carnivals. Stage 1 of the project was
FRESH DEVELOPMENT: The new Highfields Sports Park is set to become a huge asset to the community. completed earlier this year with the opening ceremony in May. Stage 2 works are proposed to be completed over the next three years and in the 2016-2017 financial year works will commence with detailed design and
construction documentation for the installation of utility services and the formation of internal road access and car parking. Major club house facilities, recreation and play areas will be developed in future years.
Additionally external road works will occur prior to the completion and opening of all Stage 2 work in December 2018. The first stage of this project included playing fields, netball courts, car parking, walking and cycling
paths and landscaping. The Queensland Government made a contribution of $1.5 million to the development through their Get Playing Plus funding program. Utility services and sports field infrastructure for Stage
Photo: Contributed 2 area include raw water main along Cronin Rd, internal water, sewerage, power, sports field irrigation, lighting for internal road and car parking and upgrade bore water access with five sports fields and a club house planned.
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Library inspires wonder in next generation THE NEW $24.5 million Toowoomba library was revealed to the region late in February and it has been enchanting residents since, especially the story-telling tree in the children’s section. Magical, enchanted trees have entertained the young and young-at-heart throughout literary history with classics like the Enid Blyton’s Faraway Tree series, The Lorax by Dr Seuss and the more recent Whomping Willow in Harry Potter series. The Toowoomba City Library is paying homage to trees and their links to literature by creating the story-telling tree in the new library. The tree was commissioned and donated WONDER-FILLED: The new Toowoomba City Library has been enchanting residents since it by Hutchinson Builders. As an extra personal touch opened in February. Photo: Contributed
library staff members created a special leaf canopy for the new tree. Environment and community services general manager Nick Hauser said the tree was kept under wraps until the opening. “It is an amazing piece of work and will be a wondrous place for story time,” he said. “Story time is an important part of the new library. “I can see this new story tree becoming part of the fabric of Toowoomba and will be a place of learning, adventure and trips into the land of imagination.” Mr Hauser said the new state-of-the-art library would become a destination in itself when integrated with the fully landscaped Civic Square. “Civic Square will provide a user-friendly, communal
space in the CBD for people to meet and take advantage of what the city has to offer,” he said. “This will be further enhanced with the future refurbishment of the City Hall theatre area. “The library will be the focal point for a diverse range of community services including free public internet and Wi-Fi, access to a range of e-books, e-music and e-magazines, training in digital literacy and English conversation classes. “The library will contain community facilities including meeting rooms which can be used individually or opened up for theatre-style use. “There will be a multi-purpose/IT training room, smaller meeting rooms and a coffee shop.”
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Recreation
Proposed Glenvale lifestyle centre to reappropriate football field
The plans for a major new development in Glenvale, Toowoomba.
A MAJOR new development to transform a suburban Toowoomba football ground into a lifestyle centre complete with tavern supermarket, gym and child care was given the green light from council, though has hit a hurdle in the approval process. Toowoomba Regional Council planning officers have recommended the DGM Group development in Glenvale be approved. The developer wants to divide the Newtown Football Club grounds on Hursley Road into five precincts. They include: • Precint 1 - Tavern and motel • Precinct 2 - Fast food and service station • Precinct 3 - Convenience commercial, health and child care • Precinct 4 - Residential • Precinct 5 - Showroom, hardware and indoor sports The land is owned by Rumours International boss Jim Aspromourgos but plans have been submitted by
Precinct Urban Planning on behalf of an independent group of developers. The broad-ranging development application covers the land from 202-224 Hursley Rd in Glenvale. The area includes two sporting fields and the Newtown Football Clubhouse as well as a detached residential dwelling and a large area of vacant land. If developers have their way the area will be transformed from a quiet corner to a busy retail and residential complex. The plan is to split the two parcels of land into three lots with a childcare centre to be constructed on the 2325sq m first lot. A second area of 9673sq m will be used for future medium density residential purposes while the third lot of 4.892 hectares will be developed into a mixed use shopping centre. Developers say the centre will include an integrated mix of commercial, community and residential
uses that will serve the surrounding community. The development application despite have the okay from council’s planning officers failed to get support and was sent back to council’s planning committee. Developers want to divide the Newtown Football Club grounds on Hursley Rd into five precincts that would host a range of facilities, including a supermarket, tavern and gym. Toowoomba Hockey Association president Steve Stewart objected to the proposal on six grounds. He said he would keep fighting the development when it goes back through council approvals again. While he acknowledged the site had been mostly unused in the last few years, he said the future need for the sporting facility was clear. Some councillors raised concerns about the potential loss of sports grounds.
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Health
Centre boosts youth services
HEADSPACE: Embracing the work of headspace Toowoomba are (from left) Michelle Wiersma, Annastasia Harland, Taz Clay and Scott Johnston. Photo: Kevin Farmer
THE health and wellbeing of young people in Toowoomba and surrounding areas has received a boost with a headspace centre to support 12 to 25-year-olds and their families opening last year. headspace Toowoomba was officially launched in Septemebr 2015 at a community event, which involved key stakeholders and some of the young people who were involved in the establishment of the centre. The centre at 1 Snell St, Toowoomba, provides 12-25 year olds general and mental health support, assistance with alcohol and other drug
problems, and employment and education support, as well as information for young people and parents. Centre manager Scott Johnston said headspace created an environment where young people could move seamlessly through the system to receive targeted care to suit their specific needs. “It is quite a comprehensive approach to dealing with young people and we have so many agencies we have formal and informal relations with,” Mr Johnston said. “It is an integrative approach to health.”
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Cost: $30 for the 5 day program Time: 10.30am - 11.15am Age group: 8 - 16 years The ‘Kids Active Program’ promotes good health and fitness while having fun and getting involved in mini boxing, water sports, fitness games and body weight training which will lead to happy and healthier kids.
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Aqua inflatable
Laurie Lawrence’s learn to swim week
Information stalls promoting kids and adults sports programs on offer at Highfields.
Date: 24 September - 2 October Time: 9am - 11.30am Register on line for free lessons www.learntoswimweek.com.au
10am - 12 noon
For more info on any of these classes, call 4699 6530 or email zac.chimes@tr.qld.gov.au. Limited vacancies. BBQ’s available, bookings are essential. Pool opens 7am-6pm. Normal entry fee applies after midday.
Cost: $30 for a 5 day program Time: 9.30am - 10.15am Age group: 6-11 yrs and 12-16 yrs Children can enjoy all the sports the hall has to offer including European handball, climbing wall, basketball, soccer, volleyball, dodge ball and more.
Also at Milne Bay Aquatic and Fitness Centre
www.tr.qld.gov.au/pools www.facebook.mbacandhfr 1 O’Brien Road Highfields Page 45
Health
Growth drives hospital needs By MEGAN MASTERS
upgrade. The existing hospital had in recent years received an THE need for a new hospital extra theatre, a new MRI in Toowoomba is set to service, an expanded CT become dire within the next service, new kitchen and an decade or so, according to emergency department Darling Downs Hospital and upgrade and Dr Gillies said Health Service chief these improvements would executive Dr Peter Gillies. Toowoomba Hospital is fast help in the short to medium term as plans progressed. nearing capacity and “I think it’s widely Toowoomba residents were accepted Toowoomba able to have their say on the Hospital is an ageing facility. future of a new or vastly redeveloped facility, during a There are some newer buildings but the majority of period of community buildings are quite old,” he consultation in August. Dr Gillies said the hospital said. “What’s more important is regularly operated to that we’re reaching capacity capacity already and the and the service has grown need for a new or over the years and it’s a very much-improved facility constrained building. would become greater as “Certainly it's a capacity each year passed. issue now; the actual physical With chronic diseases on infrastructure is now at its the rise as well as an ageing limit. population, he said it would “The emergency probably soon become department is small for the necessary to re-locate some number of visitations we get services to the Baillie a year and we are expanding Henderson Hospital site to the size of that within the ease the burden on the main limits that we’ve got of the hospital and buy more time building, but that’s a very for a proper rebuild or
modest increase in size and certainly won't last us over the next 10 or 20 years. “The wards are often at capacity, the operating theatres are very busy. We’re expanding by one but we still need more.” He said the planning process was in the initial stages and no funding had been allocated yet, but the community was welcome to have its say on the early proposal to ensure any new facility would meet the needs of residents. He said there were a number of options being looked at including building a new hospital on a greenfield site at Baillie Henderson or redeveloping the current hospital and moving some of the services to Baillie. Dr Gillies said the funding would come from the State Government and at this point there was little transparency in the funding process and really no way to know how it would be prioritised against NEW HOSPITAL: Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service chief executive officer Dr Peter developments across the rest Gillies announces the need for a new or vastly re-developed hospital in Toowoomba. of the state. Photo: Bev Lacey
You’re never fully dressed without a smile
With all the new stores opening at Grand Central this month, there’s no better time to invest in your smile. A great smile to go with that new outfit will be the icing on top of the cake. Home to Toowoomba’s only Master Dental Prosthetist, Nathaniel Davies, at Denture Visage, you can trust that your ideal smile will be made for you.
Nathaniel will take the time to make sure your denture suits your face, helping you select the right shape teeth, and even the right colour. In building new smiles, Nathaniel often uses photographs that patients have supplied, showing the smile they were born with. In most instances, it is possible for Nathaniel to closely replicate that look. So when you’re wanting a new, fresh look for spring, summer or all those special events that happen at this time of year, look no further than Denture Visage. Denture Visage offers same day repairs, relines, adjustments and denture checks. There is easy ramp access to the building, free on-site parking for our patients, and a friendly husband and wife team to take care of your needs.
Denture Visage is conveniently located at 327 Margaret St, just a short walk from public transport at Grand Central. You can book by phone or online at www.denturevisage.com. Page 46.
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Everyone knows it’s more fun to spend money on looking good rather than going to the dentist, but what if you could do both? We all know that taking care of your mouth is good for your health, but to most people, the most important factor in a new denture is how it will look. At Denture Visage, Nathaniel can do just that – your new denture will be great for your health, but will also make you look and feel like a million bucks!
Health
ADDRESSING A NEED: An artist’s impression of the proposed mental health hospital.
Mental health in spotlight By ANDREW BACKHOUSE
A MENTAL health hospital planned for Pechey St includes innovative design features that will help anxious patients relax, according to architect Patrick Pace. The hospital, recently
approved by Toowoomba Regional Council, will feature vertical gardens, timber finishes and natural lighting. A chance meeting with a mentally ill woman in NSW helped convince Mr Pace to put patients first in his design work. “There was a patient who
had been in hospital for a while and she started talking about the space and courtyard we created,” he said. “It was a heartfelt moment for me and I thought, this is something we should pursue more.” The South Toowoomba
Smooth
hospital will deal with low-end mental health patients but smart safety features will be built-in at the facility. Any objects that weigh over 15kg will be breakable and magnetic curtains will pull off to prevent self-harm. Mr Pace said patients
checking in to mental-health hospitals were often worried, and he hoped the unobtrusive atmosphere would help them relax. Temperature control mechanisms will allow patients to warm or cool their personal spaces and rooms will include balconies
Photo: Contributed
with vistas into the nearby Clewley Park Reserve park lands. The hospital at 18 Pechey St will include a 16-bed facility for in-patient accommodation and an out-patient section. It will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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Health
St Andrew’s focusses on patients Project complete after two years of construction ST ANDREW’S Hospital’s two-year construction project is now complete with the sealing of bitumen on an expanded free car parking facility. In keeping with the hospital’s focus to provide convenient services for its patients, St Andrew’s has now added an additional 115 free car spaces to the existing 568 free car spaces currently available on campus. As part of the car park expansion, a convenient circular driveway drop-off point for patients wishing to access the X-Ray facilities has been created. Located at the rear of the hospital, the new drop-off point ensures maximum convenience and privacy for patients to and from their procedures. As the hospital grounds are of a significant size, St Andrew’s Hospital provides a complimentary transport buggy service around the campus. The service is provided by hospital volunteers who
“St Andrew’s goes to great lengths to support patients and their individual needs.
— Ray Fairweather
drive a golf buggy around the campus offering lifts to people walking through the car park. The major car park expansion commenced in November last year and was made possible by the purchase of several adjacent properties and the acquisition of part of Herman and Pioneer streets from the council. The two-year expansion to the hospital’s current facilities has been necessary due to the increase in demand of its medical and
CARPARK COMPLETE: St Andrew's Hospital has just completed a two-year project to expand its carpark. Photo: Bev Lacey surgical services. In response to this demand, the Hospital doubled the size of its recovery ward, added two additional operating theatres and purpose built several
Grand Central MediCal Centre Dr Rita Ponce Dr Lakshaman Ellepola Dr Jocelyn Baviera Dr Darshika Ellepola Dr Julius Soriano
new medical suites which will house the ever increasing team of medical specialists. St Andrew’s chief executive officer Ray Fairweather said it was vital
hospital provided patient focussed services. “St Andrew’s goes to great lengths to support patients and their individual needs,” Mr Fairweather said. “We understand the
importance of enabling convenient and accessible transport to and from hospital services and to ensure there are no additional costs involved to patients and their visitors.”
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Health
$30m theatre upgrade on track
NEW THEATRE: St Vincent's Private Hospital CEO Kathryn McKeefry discussed the $30 million theatre redevelopment with land developer and philanthropist Clive Berghofer after he made a $5 million donation to the project. Photo: Bev Lacey By ELOUISE QUINLIVAN
TOOWOOMBA’S renowned philanthropist Clive Berghofer is at the heart of a new operating theatre redevelopment, donating $5 million to ensure it goes ahead at St Vincent’s Private
Berghofer makes major contribution Hospital. The upgrades to the hospital will cost $30 million and provide six new operating theatres, a 16-bed recovery area and a new day
• 301 Margaret St,Toowoomba (opp. Grand Central) • Branch practices – Warwick and Chinchilla • Tel 46 326 055 • Fax 46 381 195 • Email dmo@orthotoowoomba.com
surgery unit. Mr Berghofer’s contribution will be honoured with the naming of the redevelopment the Clive Berghofer Operating Theatre
Suite. Mr Berghofer said for 75 years St Vincent’s had been the leading hospital but it had lost some ground, and needed the upgrade.
CEO Kathryn McKeefry said the upgrades would usher in a “new era of health service” at the hospital. She said it would also allow for more jobs in the
centre to service the new operating theatres and recovery area. The construction is expected to begin in September and be completed by early 2018. Minimal disruption is expected with the hospital operating as usual.
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Toowoomba we have you cover
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Page 52.
Our Region’s Development
City responds to projections
Population boom drives development
POPULATION projections show Toowoomba could be home to as many as 234,706 people by the year 2036. The figures, released by the Queensland Government’s Statistician’s Office, give low, medium and high population scenarios for the Toowoomba Local Government Area. A high scenario shows the population could climb to 179,860 within the next seven years, nearly 25,000 more than the figure for 2011. The figures confirms what the region’s residents have known for a long time, that Toowoomba is a fast-growing region alive with opportunity. “With so many major projects either about to begin construction or already under way in Toowoomba and surrounding areas, including the Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport, the city is set to become a global freight and logistics hub,” Shane Charles, of Toowoomba Surat Basin Enterprise said. “Toowoomba has also HIGH GROWTH: Toowoomba’s population is predicted to grow to more than 200,000 in the next 20 years. Photo: Andrew Backhouse topped many lists as a
liveable city and is an education capital for Queensland, making it an attractive centre for families to relocate to. “We are in a region which is leading the way in Australia with growth, diversity and opportunity. “Along with new developments comes employment growth, and it is important the region is in a position to take advantage of opportunities that arise.” Toowoomba currently has a population of about 163,000, and the city is the largest centre in our region and has long been a hub for commerce, industry and education. Toowoomba supports a large and vibrant business community offering a broad range of shops, banks and professional and trade services. It services a diversity of primary and secondary industries and plays a significant role in the economic development of the southern Queensland area.
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Page 53
Our Region’s Development
Western corridor developments By ALYSSA WELKE
TOOWOOMBA’s western corridor is undergoing a massive development boom at the moment with hundreds of residential blocks being released to cater to the city’s growing population. Toowoomba’s “Land Man” Brad Lipp, of Colliers International project marketing land sales division, said there was a wide variety of land available. “The development of the
western corridor is really going through the roof. “And with the infrastructure, job creation, closeness of the Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport and intersections with the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing it is no wonder.” From the western corridor, stretching from Cambooya to Cotswold Hills there was 14 land developments already under construction or due to start this year. Mr Lipp said this boom in land development was driven by the predicted growth of
Wagners property development manager Mark Rundle (left) and Professionals Clifford Gardens' Bob Loiterton at Sovereign Hill, 291 Hursley Rd, Torrington. Photo: Alyssa Welke LAND SALE: The Torrington project is the largest approved residential development site in Toowoomba. Photo: Contributed
Free Public Tour of New Acland Mine New Acland Mine is hosting its next Public Tour on Thursday 29 September from 10am to 1pm.
We request that all visitors wear long-sleeved shirts, long trousers and closed-in, flat bottomed footwear.
A free bus service to the mine will leave Oakey Railway Station at 9:30am.
Children over 12 welcome.
To reserve your place and learn more about the tour, please call New Acland Mine on (07) 4694 8801.
Tours can be arranged outside these designated times for larger groups like schools, businesses and different interest groups.
Reservations close on Thursday 22 September
Page 54.
VISIT:
New Hope Community Information Centre, Oakey, Campbell St, Oakey
EMAIL: community@newhopegroup.com.au
PHONE:
(07) 4691 3445 or 1800 882 142
WEB: www.aclandproject.com.au
Our Region’s Development
create hundreds of allotments Toowoomba’s population in the next 20 years, which is expected to reach more than 200,000 by 2036. “The enquiry rate for land has risen by 75 per cent,” Mr Lipp said. “And first home buyers are really taking charge of the residential land market, thanks to the First Home Owners Grant. “In last two months we’ve sold to 22 first home buyers and already this month we have sold 10 (blocks).” On top of these land developments, there are development approvals in place for two shopping centres in Glenvale — one on Glenvale Rd and another in the corner of Hursley Rd and McDougall St. The second stage of Sovereign Hill at Torrington will also include a neighbourhood shopping centre and a childcare centre. In June the largest approved residential development site in Toowoomba, spanning 42 hectares off Hursley Rd, was offered for sale. In December last year Hodge Holdings won the right to develop the land into a mixed use development
Western Corridor land developments G Cambooya Ridge, Cambooya G Karara Gardens, Wyreema, G Shoesmith Estate, Westbrook G , The Orchids, Wesbrook G Glenvale Views, Glenvale G Glenwood Heights, Glenvale G The Gains, Glenvale G Glenview Estate, Glenvale G Hursley Park, Glenvale G Park Hill, Glenvale G Soverign Hill, Torrington G Essence Estate, Cotswold Hills G Santana Park, Cotswold Hills; and G Kooringa Valley, Cotswold Hills
with potential for more than 600 dwellings. Approvals are already in place for the first 79 residential allotments as well as a master plan approval for residential, retirement, aged care and manufactured housing development on the
remaining land. Brendan Hogan and Chris O’Driscoll of Colliers International marketed the significant land holding through an expressions of interest campaign which closed on Wednesday, July 20. Mr Hogan said there was strong interest in the property with a range of offers received. “This opportunity is ideally positioned for developers and investors seeking a strategic holding in one of Australia’s fastest growing regions with approvals already in place,” he said. “The property is located in the heart of the growth corridor stretching from Toowoomba’s CBD to the new $300 million Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport. “Multiple hospitals and major retail centres are in close proximity, including Clifford Gardens, which was recently purchased by Blackstone for near to $200 million. “The proposed Glenvale Shopping Centre is also within walking distance of the site and is further supported by a new Coles supermarket that is within a Cambooya Ridge, Cambooya is one of the western corridor land developments. short drive of the property.” Photo: Contributed
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Page 55
Our Region’s Development
Wellcamp airport’s future protected by government THE future of Australia’s newest airport — Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport, Toowoomba — has reached new heights, with the State Government confirming its listing as a strategic airport. Deputy Premier Jackie Trad approved the airport’s new status in the latest
update to the State Planning Policy. “This is an exciting step in the growth of Brisbane West Wellcamp and will ensure this important aviation infrastructure continues to create trade and job opportunities for the Toowoomba region,” Ms Trad
said. “This strategic status will ensure the airport's operation is not impacted by future development such as buildings, industries which generate outputs like smoke and lighting, or those which attract wildlife. “Protecting Brisbane West
Wellcamp’s assets will help to support the growth of the Darling Downs region, its local economy and tourism industry.” The strategic listing also recognises the important opportunities for economic development this airport provides the region. Queensland currently has 26 airports with strategic status, which ensure activities and future development in the vicinity will not impact on the safety and viability of the airport.
“With a geographically dispersed state, airport infrastructure is vital to the Queensland economy and is a great source of job generation,” Ms Trad said. “We will continue to work with operators to ensure appropriate planning systems are in place to see each airport flourish.” Key transport corridors linking to the airport will be identified and protected from development that could compromise the function of the airport.
Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport general manager Phil Gregory said the new status was a significant milestone for the airport. “Wellcamp Airport is a critical piece of public infrastructure and we thank the Queensland Government for recognising our role in contributing to Queensland’s growth,” Mr Gregory said. “This status not only protects the airport’s needs into the future but validates Wellcamp Airport as a long-term asset.”
NATIONAL ROUTES: Airnorth E170 jets have been flying from the Wellcamp airport to Cairns and Melbourne since March. Photo: Contributed ON THE WING: An Airnorth jet on route to Cairns.
Photo: Contributed
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Our Region’s Development
Tourism flows By JOY MINGAY
tourism industry’s highest yielding sector. Statistics recently released show Toowoomba’s business and conference market is gaining serious momentum. Tourism and Events Queensland data collected over 12 months (and released to the year ending September 2015) shows the number of business people visiting the region rose 10.5 per cent to 589,000. Interstate visitors grew nearly 10% over the year, with this rise in numbers driven mostly by business visitors. This can be attributed to an increase in accessibility made possible by the
Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport. According to the Toowoomba Regional Council's tourism and events strategy, the business and conference market had the largest increase in visitor numbers (up 7.5% per annum) in the past five years. It goes without saying that business events have a wonderful flow-on effect to our small and medium businesses and inject millions of dollars into our economy. The outlook is very bright. We're looking forward to what business opportunities open up in the region in 2016 and the future.
THERE‘S a definite buzz in our region and business tourism has a lot to do with it. Earlier this year we welcomed close to 4000 visitors to the Empire Theatre for the Queensland Eisteddfod — a wonderful event showcasing our performers and attracting competitors from across the State. Earlier in March we also saw about 5000 spectators and hundreds of competitors turn out for the Queensland PGA Championship, and a strong crowd gathered in the city during the Easter weekend for the inaugural Streets and Lanes Festival. The Highfields Pioneer Village’s Easter Vintage Festival also attracted 5000 visitors. Last year, more than 600 delegates and support staff descended on Toowoomba for the Local Government Association of Queensland 119th annual conference, with an estimated $1.3m injection into the local economy. Business tourism plays a READY TO BOARD: The addition of the Wellcamp airport is major role in the economy, as drawing tourists and business visitors to the city. INSPIRING: Joy Mingay shares some practical wisdom with the women of Toowoomba. Photo: Contributed Photo: Tim Swinson/ Style Magazine business events are the
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Our Region’s Development
Charlton takes shape as transport and logistics hub FKG drives industrial precinct THE Toowoomba Enterprise Hub notched another milestone with the April opening of the BP service centre, set to be a major stop point in south-east Queensland’s future transport grid. Once connected with the Second Range Crossing, BP’s Toowoomba Westbound Service Truck Stop will be a major point for the haulage companies travelling between the Port of Brisbane, the southern Darling Downs and western Queensland. The service centre, a partnership between BP and developer FKG Group, is within the Witmack Transport and Logistics Hub; FKG Group has also developed the adjacent Witmack Industrial Park. LJ Hooker Commercial Toowoomba marketed the land bought by FKG Group at Charlton in November 2014 for $4.5 million. TARNSPORT HUB: BP's Toowoomba Westbound Service Truck Stop is the latest addition to Little more than a year the Witmack Transport and Logistics Hub. Photo: Contributed
“FKG Group’s Witmack Transport and Logistics Hub will be a major distribution and haulage centre for southern Queensland, especially once the Second Range Crossing comes on line. “A quality service station is an essential asset for the precinct and having the BP truck centre open well ahead of the crossing's completion will further encourage investors and businesses to commit to the wider hub.” Businesses already operating in the Witmack — Julie Stewart Industrial Park include Inplex, Vinidiex, Saxon Energy, Savanna Drilling, service centre was a major Boral and Speicapag. business breakthrough and Land in the development would propel the area’s next start from $120 per square phase of growth. “We’re in a purple patch of metre. “With the infrastructure investment right now, with being built in the region, it private projects and public really is an attractive infrastructure combing for opportunity for businesses to more than $10 billion in establish themselves in development,” Mrs Stewart Toowoomba,” she said. said. down the track, LJ Hooker Commercial Toowoomba director Julie Stewart said the introduction of the BP
“We’re in a purple patch of investment right now, with private projects and public infrastructure...
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Page 59
Our Regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Development
New range crossing huge boon THERE is currently an indisputable buzz around the Toowoomba and greater Toowoomba region, with two major infrastructure announcements recently made by Federal and State Government as well as a new airport to the region. The Toowoomba Second Range Crossing, which will circumvent the current congested route through Toowoombaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s James St, is expected to create great business and employment. The 42km bypass route, once completed, will link Brisbane, the Darling Downs and the Surat Basin, running from the Warrego Hwy at Helidon (Lockyer Valley) in the east to the Gore Hwy at Athol in the west, via Charlton. The range crossing will also complement the Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport, which was recently constructed at Wellcamp, 20 minutes from Toowoomba. The crossing has been a long awaited gain for Toowoomba residents, and is expected to significantly reduce both travel time from Toowoomba to both Brisbane and the Western Downs, as well as reduce traffic pressures in Toowoomba.
The second announcement for the region came in the May federal budget, when
Treasurer Scott Morrison announced $594 million for land acquisition of the
Brisbane to Melbourne inland rail. While further funding to
meet total costs will need to be found, the announcement is encouraging to
Toowoomba mayor Cr Paul Antonio, and a huge boon for the region.
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Page 60.
Our Region’s Development
for region’s continued growth Council announces $25m upgrade to Range Crossing exit TOOWOOMBA Regional Council has announced it will upgrade Mort St to provide an additional connection to the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing. Infrastructure committee chair Cr Carol Taylor said the $25 million council-funded upgrade of sections of Mort St would help to improve traffic flow to and from the crossing when completed in late 2018. The upgrade works will be carried out from Jellicoe St to the TSRC with Mort St intersection upgrades at Hogg and Griffiths Sts, North St and, West and Jellicoe Sts. Cr Taylor said the project would be constructed in stages, with the first section of works extending from the Mort, Jellicoe and West Sts intersection to Black Gully. The second stage will extend from Black Gully to the Griffiths and Hogg Sts intersection, while the third stage will extend from the Griffiths and Hogg Sts
intersection to the TSRC interface. There also will be connections from Toowoomba to the TSRC at Boundary St and at Charlton. The upgrade will provide a new entry point into the city from the crossing, and will cater for future growth in Toowoomba’s transport network. “The crossing will become an economic enabler for the Toowoomba region and this street upgrade will help to provide lasting social and economic benefits for the community,” Cr Taylor said. Landscaping will be an integral part of the project, with the upgraded link providing a new northern entrance into Toowoomba. Cr Taylor said the Mort St upgrade was in the design phase with construction on the first section expected to begin in early 2017. The project will be completed by late 2018 to coincide with the opening of the crossing.
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Page 62.
Our Region’s Development
Region celebrates growth Bright future ahead Great news for city Optimism is palpable WE LIVE in exciting times for our region. While the Asian resources boom has receded from its heady peak, the growing Asian middle class needs the quality food we produce in increasing volume and quality. In the near future we will have regular international air freight services delivering high quality produce to five-star Asian restaurants quicker than we currently deliver to Melbourne. The renewable energy sector is taking off in our region with solar and windfarm projects growing in number; inland rail is gaining momentum as is the fantastic data centre project at FKG’s Witmack Park. We are fortunate our regional economy is so diverse — from resources and primary production through to the services sector and the new retail buzz associated with the oncoming opening of Grand Central.
Dr Ben Lyons.
“We are fortunate our regional economy is so diverse... Toowoomba and the Surat Basin region is the leading regional economy in Australia. — Food Leaders Australia chief executive officer Ben Lyons
THIS feature captures all the great news stories that have been happening in Toowoomba in recent times and the people and organisations that are making so much happen. We should not forget how many impressive projects and initiatives are being put in to place and putting them all together in one big edition gives you an overview of the scale and the level of success that the region is enjoying Many great enterprises’ have supported this summary of the ‘boom’ that we are experiencing and each of them are promoting their great products and services available to all. Catch up on the big stories you may have missed or just enjoy some reflection of the major activities happening that make this a great place to live, work and enjoy. The Chronicle is proud to play an integral role in promoting and supporting
Rohan Gosstray. our community as plans are made to continue to develop and grow. The Chronicle also continues to grow and evolve now reaching over 188,000 people a week in print, desktop computers and a range of digital tablets and mobile phones and will continues to report the big stories that make a difference. — The Chronicle general manager Rohan Gosstray
I BELIEVE there’s never been a more exciting time to be a resident of the Toowoomba region. The phrase, Rich Traditions Bold Ambitions is our region’s tagline, and this is such an apt reflection of who we are. We are building on our deep respect for the past, and can-do pioneering spirit, and mixing it with bold ambition to take our region to remarkable new heights. With the advent of the Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport, the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing, and the proposed inland rail line, we are poised to become one of Australia’s leading intermodal freight hubs. The benefit of this and the other economic and social development coming our way is people-focused; bringing jobs and opportunities, especially for our young people, as well as a renewed sense of hope for our future. The explosion of new retail and dining outlets shows that Toowoomba is ‘growing up’ and creating a sense of palpable optimism among residents from all walks of
Cr Paul Antonio. life about this place we call home. I thank the range of businesses that either have just chosen or continue to choose Toowoomba as their home. They are the life-blood of our regional economy and so many regularly give back through supporting our community. Indeed, our future has never looked brighter — the Toowoomba region is set to lead the way in Australia with lifestyle, diversity and opportunity. — Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio
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